A handmade gift is much more valuable than a purchased gift - but they are not necessarily more economical. So you have to be disciplined about using the stash or you could end up spending just as much on fabric as a shopping trip.
I love to receive homemade gifts --- but even when giving a bedquilt , people are seldom aware of the cost of making one. I've had people offer me $100 to make a quilt not knowing it cost me $400 just for supplies and quilting.